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Solve the linear inequality. Express the solution using interval notation and graph the solution set. $$-4 x \geq 10$$

Short Answer

Expert verified
The solution is \(x \leq -2.5\), or \((-\infty, -2.5]\).

Step by step solution

01

Isolate the Variable

To solve the inequality \(-4x \geq 10\), we need to isolate \(x\). Start by dividing both sides by -4. Remember, when dividing both sides of an inequality by a negative number, the inequality sign flips direction.
02

Divide by Negative Value

Perform the division: \(-4x \geq 10\) becomes \(x \leq \frac{10}{-4}\), which simplifies to \(x \leq -2.5\).
03

Write Solution in Interval Notation

The inequality \(x \leq -2.5\) in interval notation is \((-\infty, -2.5]\).
04

Graph the Solution Set

On a number line, graph \((-\infty, -2.5]\). This includes all numbers less than \(-2.5\), and also includes \(-2.5\) itself (solid dot or bracket at \(-2.5\)).

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Inequality Solving
Solving linear inequalities can be thought of as a close cousin to solving linear equations, but with a bit of a twist. The goal remains the same: isolate the variable on one side. In our exercise, we have the inequality \(-4x \geq 10\). This means we want to solve for \(x\) so that any value which fits this inequality is included in our solution.
  • Start by isolating the variable \(x\). This often involves moving terms around using addition or subtraction and then simplifying by multiplication or division.
  • For inequalities, one crucial thing to remember is that when multiplying or dividing both sides by a negative number, the inequality sign flips direction. This is a key concept and makes inequalities unique compared to equalities.
When completing the steps above for our problem, dividing both sides by \(-4\) gives us the inequality \(x \leq -2.5\). This is now our new inequality which narrows down the values \(x\) can take.
Interval Notation
Interval notation is a handy way to describe subsets of the real number line. It tells us exactly where our solutions lie in a compact form. In the case of our solution \(x \leq -2.5\), we're expressing it with interval notation.
  • The closed interval \((a, b]\) includes the end value \(b\), indicated by the square bracket. A round bracket \((\) means the end value is not included.
  • Since our inequality \(x \leq -2.5\) includes the number \(-2.5\), the closed interval \((-\infty, -2.5]\) accurately represents all numbers less than or equal to \(-2.5\).
  • Using infinity \((\pm\infty)\) always comes with a round bracket \((\) because infinity itself is not a number but an idea of endlessness.
Interval notation makes it simple to report large sets of numbers, like every number less than \(-2.5\), with just a small segment of writing.
Graphing Linear Inequalities
Graphing linear inequalities is a visual approach to showcase all potential solutions of an inequality. Through graphing, we get a useful visual representation of the solution set. To graph our solution \((-\infty, -2.5]\), we follow the simple convention:
  • Draw a number line and locate \(-2.5\).
  • Use a solid dot or bracket at \(-2.5\) to indicate it's included in the set. This represents \(x\) can equal \(-2.5\).
  • Shade the number line to the left of \(-2.5\) to capture all values less than \(-2.5\). This represents all the permissible values of \(x\) in this inequality.
This graphical representation clearly communicates the range of numbers that satisfy the inequality \(x \leq -2.5\) and helps in visualizing the limitless range extending to infinity.

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